Where’s Wildlife · Frog & Toad Field Guide
Lithobates clamitans
Pronounced (approx.): lye-thoh-BAY-teez KLAM-ih-tanz
A pond-edge frog best recognized by the raised folds running down its back.
Green Frog. Select the photo to browse the gallery.
NATIVE TO NORTH AMERICA
Lengths are snout to vent; season and activity vary with weather and location.
Paired dorsolateral folds extend behind the eyes along the back
Prominent round eardrum and often a bright green upper lip
Body may be green, bronze, olive or brown
Compare views, markings and body shapes in the photographs below.
Trace the raised ridge from behind the eye down the side of the back. It is easier to see from above or the side than in a head-on photograph.
American Bullfrog lacks these long back folds. Northern Leopard Frog has conspicuous pale-bordered dark spots. Green color alone does not separate any of them.
Vegetated ponds, lakes and slow streams, often near woods. Adults feed on insects, worms, snails and other small animals. Day or night close to permanent water.
Adults usually stay close to water and dive when startled. Summer breeding calls resemble plucked strings. Eggs float in shallow masses, and many tadpoles overwinter before transforming the following year.
Back ridges are a stronger clue than the common name.
Tadpoles may remain aquatic through winter.
Listen for separated, banjo-like notes during warm weather.
Native to eastern North America. In Illinois it is especially associated with suitable waters in the north and south, with a less continuous distribution through the central part of the state. Observation maps show reported encounters, not the entire range.
Explore reported sightings on iNaturalist. Observation records are not a complete range map.